Thoughts on cold caps??

Morning, 

Yes I am cold capping, for me it has been worth it but I have still lost a good amount of hair. I did 4 x EC and i started shedding about 2 weeks after the first, it didn’t come out in clumps more lots of strands quite evenly across but I did bald more behind my ears however it looked more like I’d shaved it. I did get incredibly fed up of shedding everywhere and lost the biggest amount at around 5 weeks in, but it did slow down after a while. It is emotional and cold capping adds time to the Chemo day, I covered my thinning hair with a beanie or bandana, ( some great ones on Amazon) but had hair to frame my face.  I almost gave up but persevered and then when I started Pac/ Carbo it started to grow back. Now I guess I lost around 60% volume, it was very thin and I would not go out without it covered, it really did get me down with how rubbish it was so I eventually had it cut into a pixie cut and now with 4 weeks of Chemo left It is thickening up with about 2inch of regrowth, i hate it short but can now go out without it covered. 

It isn’t easy as but is doable, i take 2 paracetamol before and it helps to take the edge off the sensation. If you can get past the first 10 mins then it eases off a bit. I also put gauze just under the front bit on my forehead where there is a little pressure from the seems on the cap. It does make you feel cold, not freezing but nothing a warm drink and a blanket doesn’t sort out. Personally I am glad I did it but did almost give up. I would suggest trying at least once as only you will know if you can do it, you can stop at any time but you cannot start later. 

let me know if you have any other questions.

Good luck xx

Thanks Jo2022 for asking this question as I am in the same place as you with whether to try the cold cap or not. I am wondering whether I can/should donate my hair as it is very long to the bottom of my back or whether I should try to save it as much as possible with the cold cap. 

Thank you Harrigoose for sharing your experience. What do you mean when you say Pac/Carbo? Sorry if that is a silly question but I’ve not heard of those references before. 

I wish you both luck with the next stages. xx

I cold capped and was so worth it. Did lose hair but just went a lot thinner in areas. I took paracetamol half hour before it went on. Make sure the cap fits snugly to head!! I felt it uncomfortable for first 10 mns then was fine. I was very cold though so wrap warm and ask for wee heat pad ( used in my unit). When I went home though I was straight into bed with electric blanket on. Ps take small towel and hat to pat dry head (don’t rub as might Matt) and hat to wear leaving unit 

best wishes x

Ps that was over a year ago and my hair is thick, shoulder length… back to normal 

Hi YellowSunflower. 

Pac/Carbo is Paclitaxel and Carboplatin the second cocktail of Chemo that I am on weekly for 12 weeks. 

Cold capping has been worth it to me, it’s still been hard but it enabled me to go longer before covering it after it started thinning and now I’m at a stage I don’t have to cover it, although I do mostly as I hate it short. If I hadn’t cold capped I would still be bald and months  behind were I am now. My eyebrows and eyelashes are now going awol! Not much I can do about those other than an eyebrow pencil and eyeliner! 

If you have very long hair, I think there are places you can have wigs made if that’s in your budget! 

xx 

Thank you for sharing that experience Hmfm and advice on the blanket, hats etc. I will be more prepared because of yours and others advice on this thread. xx

Thank you Harrigoose for coming back to me. That’s good to know. Good idea on the wig front. Not sure if I have a budget! xx

Hi joBangles

I tried cold capping but didn't get on with it . I hated the time it added to my chemo so decided I would be in control and shaved my hair. 

The one thing I would say though is give it a go and see how you get on, you can always stop, but if you don't try it I think you will always be wondering what if. I'm glad I tried it but it wasn't for me. 

Good luck with your treatment and hope all goes well.

Carolyn x

Thank you Carolyn,

still not sure what I’m going to do, my hair is short anyway so shaving it off wouldn’t be too great a trauma. I’m seeing my oncologist next week so I’ll see speak to him about it too. I get migraines so I’m just a bit worried in case they trigger one. 

Thanks for replying xx

It may be worth checking with your breast care nurses with regards to the wig situation. I am being treated at Leeds and was lucky enough to get issued with a voucher for a wig for free. It does vary depending on where you are being treated but would be worth an ask. I can't offer any advice re cold cap as I decided against it personally. Good luck with whatever you decide x